Front Matter -- Contents -- Introduction -- The unfolding of a commercial world empire, 1550–1650 -- Losing the lead, 1650–1750 -- Through a dark valley, 1750–1850 -- A revolution in industry, traffic, and trade, 1850–1914 -- On the defensive, 1914–1940 -- Trade in Times of War and Decolonisation, 1940–1960 -- Trade and industry, an awkward fit, 1960–1983 -- Groping for a core business, 1983–2000 -- Conclusion -- List of Persons Interviewed -- Notes -- Literature -- Index -- Picture credits |